DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
DEPARTMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE – 2018 DEPARTMENTAL FEES
AND CHARGES
Purpose of Report
The Minister for Infrastructure is asked to approve a request to amend the Department’s various fees and charges for 2018 (a schedule of charges is attached as Appendix A).
Discussion
The proposed increases have been limited to 2.5% per annum in line with FD 4.1 “Increases in States Fees and Charges”, bar the exceptions detailed below and in the attached appendix.
It is proposed that the following fees and charges are not increased by a straight 2.5% for the reasons detailed below:
- Commercial Green Waste – The green waste (organics) recycling facility currently accepts non-householder green waste at a charge of £19.38 (excluding GST) per tonne. The charge was introduced in 2012 following a decision by the States Assembly. The charge was not based on full cost recovery at the time, as it was believed that charging this level would encourage fly tipping and increased amounts of green waste would be evident in the residual waste, which would lead to significantly less material being received. The immaturity of charging for specific waste streams in Jersey at that time was also considered as a factor against implementing an initial high charge.
Following implementation of the original charge no significant cases of fly tipping of green waste have been experienced. In the MTFP 2017 - 2019 Addition a move to full cost recovery for green waste was approved and it is therefore proposed that non-householder green waste charges increase from £19.38 to £60.00 per tonne to enable full cost recovery. This cost will only be increased from 2nd April 2018 to give the industry sufficient notice to amend their own fee schedules. Incidences of fly tipping will continue to be monitored and investigated. Household green waste will continue to be accepted free of charge at the household green waste reception.
- Plasterboard – this fee was increased in 2016 to reflect the new treatment method (50% exported and 50% processed through organic waste). It is now proposed to increase the fee in line with the new Commercial Green Waste fee. This cost will only be increased from 2nd April 2018 to give the industry sufficient notice to amend their own fee schedules. Small quantities of householder plasterboard will continue to be received free of charge at the HRRC.
- Inert Waste non-recyclable – Looking at other jurisdictions, Jersey is generally below inert material disposal prices and has access to a far more limited availability of disposal sites because of our Island location. The current price of £15.39 per tonne (excluding GST) is therefore proposed to be increased to £19 per tonne (excluding GST); a 23.46% increase. This cost will only be increased from 2nd April 2018 to give the industry sufficient notice to amend their own fee schedules. Thereafter it is proposed to apply normal increases until the site can no longer accept waste. Small quantities of householder inert waste will continue to be received free of charge at the HRRC.
- Public Weighing – charges have been brought in line with Ports of Jersey’s charge for the same service and fee clarified to “per weigh” rather than “per tonne”. This has resulted in an increase of 22.52%.
- High Grade Paper – these charges have been reduced both for minimum charge and charge per tonne by 30.43% and 67.14% respectively. This is to encourage customers to use the Department as a secure paper disposal facility, but is still high enough to encourage recycling of non-secure material. At present fee levels we get very little high grade paper through the Energy from Waste plant.
- Certain charges, namely EFW Replacement access cards, Prepacked Soil Improver and Mulch and Composter plus Caddy (each) minimum order 10 (only sold to garden nurseries) have been kept at 2017 prices to simplify administration, collection of cash and to encourage home recycling.
- Motorcycles (CBT) – There is an agreement that the fee for CBT will increase each January by RPI(y) as at the previous September. The September 2017 RPI(y) is 3.3%.
Driver and Vehicle Standards charges (excluding the Motorcycle (CBT) fee above) have been rounded to the nearest £ wherever possible and this has resulted in a small number of charges increasing above 2.5%. However, these charges are relatively low in terms of income generation and the weighted average increase for DVS is actually below 2.5%.
As in previous years, the fees and charges for Jersey Car Parks have not been included as part of this Ministerial Decision but will be brought to the Minister for consideration as a separate report.
In accordance with Finance Direction 4.1, “Increases in States Fees and Charges”, all increases to charges above 2.5% require the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources. The Treasurer of the States can approve increases to States charges under his delegated powers, where those increases are non-contentious.
Recommendation
That the Minister approves the fees and charges for 2018 as laid out in the attached Appendix A. That the Minister requests the Finance Director to arrange for the Department’s fees and charges to be advertised on the States Website, www.gov.je, and to be available on request from the department.
Reason for Decision
To enable the Department to increase its fees and charges for 2018.
Resource Implications
The increased income will aid towards cost recovery for services.
Action Required
The Finance Director to arrange for the Department’s fees and charges to be advertised on www.gov.je
Written by: | Finance Manager |
Approved by: | Director of Finance |
gov.je